Reader Spotlight: Florian Imbaud

Meet Florian Imbaud, a bassist now living in the UK while studying music and performing. Check out his story about switching to bass, and how he came full circle, in a way.

Florian is our player in the spotlight for the week of February 4, 2013.

Bio:

I’am a French born bass player who decided two years ago to move to England in order to get a Degree in Music Performance. I’ve been playing with a few bands in France, and I’m currently filling the bass duties for a UK based band called The Winter Hill Syndicate.

Location:

Nottingham/England

Day gig:

As I’m fully focused on my studies, I do not have a day job yet, but I’m still looking. I used to work in a music shop for four years before moving to the UK.

Years experience:

8 years

Bands & Gigs:

As I said previously, I’m playing for The Winter Hill Syndicate. To be honest, the way I’ve been involved in that band is a bit funny. I was at my induction day and I met the guy who later became a real friend and the guitarist in the band I play with. He told me he was looking for a bassist for his band and asked me if I knew one. I told him I was a bassist and that I was looking for a band. That was it. Since then we have recorded an EP (last summer), with Mr. Phil Wilbraham, which is now available on our band page.

Gear:

Ibanez SR 5006-E Prestige 6 Strings

Vigier Arpège 5 Strings

Vigier Excess 4 Strings

Ampeg B2-RE Bass Head

Ampeg Cab

Bigmuff Electro Harmonix

Deep Blue Chorus Rocktron

Why I play the bass:

I started learning guitar but was too lazy because there were too many strings. Funny thing is that I’m now far less lazy and playing an Ibanez 6-string. LOL.

My bass superpower/claim to fame

During our recording last summer with The Winter Hill Syndicate, I recorded all the bass parts in less than two hours. Not to sound like an arrogant guy, but I was kind of proud. LOL.